Mardi Himal Trek: Complete Guide 2026
26 Jun 2026 Santosh Gauli
If you want Annapurna-range views, a true Himalayan ridge, and space to breathe — without the ABC crowds — the Mardi Himal Trek is Nepal’s best-kept secret. In 5–7 days from Pokhara you’ll climb from rhododendron forest to a 4,500m knife-edge viewpoint directly across from Machapuchare, Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli.
This guide covers everything: day-by-day itinerary, cost breakdown, permits, best season, difficulty, packing list, and how Mardi compares to Poon Hill and ABC.
At a Glance: Mardi Himal Trek 2026
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 5–7 days from Pokhara |
| Max Elevation | 4,500m at Mardi Himal Viewpoint |
| Trek Difficulty | Moderate. No technical climbing |
| Start / End | Kande or Phedi / Sidhing village |
| Accommodation | Teahouses the entire route |
| Permits | ACAP + TIMS, approx. $50 total |
| Best Months | Mar–May, Oct–Nov. Dec–Feb possible |
| Average Cost | $180–$250 independent, $350–$450 guided |
| Crowd Level | Low to moderate. 70% quieter than ABC |
Why Trek Mardi Himal Instead of ABC or Poon Hill?
- The Ridge Factor: Unlike valley treks, Day 4–5 follows an exposed high ridge. You walk eye-level with the entire Annapurna Sanctuary wall.
- Fast Altitude Gain: Reach 4,500m in just 4 days from Pokhara. No flights, no long approach.
- Still Authentic: Opened in 2012, so teahouses are family-run and the trail culture is intact. No bakeries or espresso shops yet.
- Biodiversity in 48 Hours: Start in subtropical oak forest at 2,000m. Two days later you’re in alpine juniper and snow. Spring brings whole hillsides of rhododendron bloom.
Detailed 6-Day Mardi Himal Itinerary
This is the safest itinerary for acclimatization. Fit trekkers can do it in 5 days by merging Day 2 + 3.
Day 1: Pokhara → Kande → Deurali, 2,100m
Time: 1hr drive + 4–5hr trek
Stone staircases through villages. First big views of Annapurna South at Deurali. Lodges are basic but the sunset is huge.
Day 2: Deurali → Forest Camp, 2,520m
Time: 5–6hr
Enter dense mossy rhododendron and oak forest. Leeches common Jun–Sep. Forest Camp has 6–7 lodges. No views yet — you’re in the jungle.
Day 3: Forest Camp → Low Camp, 2,970m
Time: 3–4hr
Short day for acclimatization. Tree line breaks. Machapuchare’s fishtail suddenly appears through the trees. Sunrise point is 10min above camp.
Day 4: Low Camp → High Camp, 3,580m
Time: 3–4hr, steep
Trail climbs a narrow grassy spur with big drop-offs. The panorama opens: Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Mardi Himal. High Camp is the last settlement. Do an acclimatization hike to Badal Danda, 3,800m, in the afternoon.
Day 5: High Camp → Mardi Viewpoint, 4,500m → Low Camp, 2,970m
Time: 7–8hr
Alpine start at 4am for sunrise. Follow the narrow ridge past Middle Camp. At 4,500m you get a 180° amphitheater: Annapurna I, Gangapurna, Annapurna III, Machapuchare. Optional push to Mardi Himal Base Camp. Descend to Low Camp to sleep lower.
Day 6: Low Camp → Sidhing, 1,280m → Pokhara
Time: 5–6hr trek + 2.5hr jeep
Steep descent through forest and terraced fields to Sidhing. Jeep to Pokhara. Hot shower, lakeside dinner.
5-Day Option: Combine Day 2 + 3 if you’re well acclimatized. Not recommended if flying into Nepal from sea level.
Best Time to Go
| Season | Conditions | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring: Mar–May | 5–15°C, rhododendron bloom | Warm days, flowers, good views AM | Afternoon clouds, haze |
| Autumn: Oct–Nov | 0–12°C, crystal clear | Best mountain clarity, dry trails | Busiest, book High Camp |
| Winter: Dec–Feb | -10–5°C, snow above 3,500m | Zero crowds, sharpest skies | Freezing, microspikes needed |
| Monsoon: Jun–Sep | 10–20°C, rain daily | Green, no one else | Leeches, no views, landslides |
Permits & Fees for 2026
You need two permits, available in Pokhara or Kathmandu. Carry passport photos.
- ACAP – Annapurna Conservation Area Permit: NPR 3,000 ~$23
- TIMS – Trekkers’ Information Management System: NPR 2,000 ~$15 independent, NPR 1,000 with agency
Total: ~$38–$50. Keep them with you — checkpoints at Pothana and Forest Camp.
Cost Breakdown: Independent vs Guided
| Item | Independent | With Guide + Porter |
|---|---|---|
| Permits | $50 | $50 |
| Guide | $0 | $25/day x 6 = $150 |
| Porter | $0 | $22/day x 6 = $132 |
| Teahouse + Food | $30/day x 5 = $150 | $30/day x 5 = $150 |
| Transport | $55 jeeps | $55 jeeps |
| Gear/Misc | $30 | $0 |
| Total 6 Days | ~$285 | ~$537 |
Groups of 2–4 split guide, porter, and jeep costs. Hiring at least a guide is strongly advised — the trail was rerouted past Forest Camp in 2023 and many maps are wrong.
Difficulty & Altitude Sickness
Grade: Moderate. You’ll hike 5–7 hours per day with 1,000m+ gain on Day 4. The trail is non-technical but steep and exposed on the ridge.
Altitude Risk: High Camp sits at 3,580m and you’ll day-hike to 4,500m. That’s high enough for Acute Mountain Sickness.
Reduce risk:
- Spend the night at Low Camp or Badal Danda before High Camp.
- Hike to 3,800m+ on Day 4 afternoon, then sleep lower.
- Hydrate 3–4L/day. Avoid alcohol above Forest Camp.
- Know AMS signs: headache, nausea, dizziness, poor sleep. Descend if they worsen.
- Diamox is available in Pokhara pharmacies.
Packing List for Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek
Clothing
- Thermal base layers
- Fleece jacket
- Down jacket
- Waterproof jacket
- Trekking pants
- T-shirts
- Underwear
- Warm hat
- Sun hat
- Gloves
- Warm trekking socks
Footwear
- Trekking boots
- Camp shoes or sandals
Trekking Gear
- Backpack (30–40L)
- Rain cover
- Trekking poles
- Sleeping bag
- Headlamp
- Water bottles or hydration bladder
Personal Items
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
- Lip balm
- Toiletries
- Personal medications
- Basic first-aid kit
- Hand sanitizer
- Wet wipes
Electronics
- Mobile phone
- Camera
- Power bank
- Charging cables
- Universal travel adapter
Documents
- Passport
- Nepal visa
- Travel insurance
- Trekking permits
- Cash (Nepalese Rupees)
Tip: Pack only the essentials and keep your backpack between 8–10 kg for a more comfortable Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek.
Mardi Himal vs Poon Hill vs ABC
| Trek | Days | Max Height | Crowds | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mardi Himal | 5–7 | 4,500m | Low | Ridge views, solitude, altitude in short time |
| Poon Hill | 3–5 | 3,210m | High | Beginners, sunrise panorama, comfort lodges |
| ABC | 7–10 | 4,130m | Very High | Classic sanctuary experience, glacier views |
Choose Mardi if you want height without the ABC highway. Choose Poon Hill if you have <4 days or want easier trails.
Responsible Trekking Notes
The Mardi ridge is narrow and fragile. Water above Low Camp is carried by mule.
- Carry out all trash, including tissues. There are no bins above High Camp.
- Use refill stations at Low Camp & High Camp to avoid plastic bottles.
- Stay on the marked trail. Shortcutting causes landslides on steep grass.
- Buy local. Lodges are run by families from Sidhing and Lwang villages. Your money keeps the route alive.
FAQs
1. Do I need a guide for Mardi Himal?
Not legally required, but recommended. The upper trail is poorly marked and weather changes fast on the ridge. A guide also helps secure beds at High Camp in season.
2. Is there WiFi and charging?
Yes, at most lodges for a fee. Expect $2–$4 per hour for charging and $3–$5 for WiFi. Signal dies above High Camp.
3. Can I see Annapurna I from Mardi?
Yes. From the 4,500m viewpoint you see Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna, Annapurna III, and Machapuchare.
4. How cold does it get?
High Camp: 5°C day, -10°C night in Dec–Feb. Oct–Nov and Mar–Apr: 0°C to -5°C at night. Bring a proper sleeping bag.
5. Is it safe for solo female trekkers?
Yes, Nepal is generally safe and teahouses are family-run. Still, most solo trekkers hire a guide for safety and social reasons.
Final Word
Mardi Himal packs the best of the Annapurna region into one week: deep forests, alpine ridges, and a 4,500m viewpoint where the giants feel close enough to touch. It’s raw, quiet, and still run by the villages it passes through.
If you’ve done Poon Hill and want more altitude, or if ABC feels too busy, Mardi is the answer. The trail starts an hour from Pokhara. Permits take 20 minutes.
The mountains are waiting.